A multibillion-dollar liquefied natural gas project led by Royal Dutch Shell was given the environmental go-ahead on Wednesday, subject to dozens of conditions.
The LNG Canada project — planned for Kitimat — obtained the blessing of both the federal and British Columbia governments following a streamlined review process.
The federal government has decided the environmental impacts of the LNG Canada project are justified in the circumstances, Environment Minister Leona Aglukkaq said in a release.
Ottawa’s approval comes with 50 legally binding conditions dealing with fish habitat, migratory birds, human health and a host of other matters.
“The LNG Canada Export Terminal Project underwent a thorough science-based environmental assessment conducted by the Government of British Columbia, which included extensive and meaningful consultations with the public and aboriginal groups,” Aglukkaq said.
Meanwhile, provincial Environment Minister Mary Polak and Natural Gas Development Minister Rich Coleman issued an Environmental Assessment Certificate for the project.
The provincial approval comes with 24 conditions dealing with greenhouse gases, wildlife impacts and aboriginal consultation, among other things.
LNG Canada is the first project to be granted a certificate under a single review process that meets both federal and B.C. requirements. The “substituted” environmental assessment is meant to eliminate duplication between federal and provincial processes.
